What Causes the Clunking Sound in the Rear Axle of a Truck
1 Answers
Truck rear axle making a clunking sound may be caused by the following reasons: 1. Improper clearance between the differential side gear journal and the differential housing. 2. Improper fit between the differential cross shaft journal and the differential housing. 3. Improper side clearance between the axle spline gear and the differential side gear keyway. 4. Improper meshing backlash between the differential side gear and the planetary gear. 5. Improper meshing backlash between the differential drive and driven bevel gears. 6. Worn thrust washers. During vehicle operation, abnormal noise from the rear axle is caused by improper gear meshing clearance, improper preload adjustment of the differential bearings, or both. To eliminate the noise, it is necessary to disassemble and inspect the meshing clearance of the differential gears and the final drive gears, the preload of the final drive pinion bearings, and the contact pattern of the final drive gears.